The Kennedy Half Dollar has been a subject of intrigue and fascination since its inception in 1964. While many appreciate its aesthetic and commemorative value, certain designs have sparked debates and misunderstandings among collectors and enthusiasts.
This article delves into the three most misunderstood designs of the Kennedy Half Dollar, shedding light on their origins, controversies, and the truths behind the myths.
1. The 1964 “Accented Hair” Design
Background
In the aftermath of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, the U.S. Mint swiftly introduced the Kennedy Half Dollar to honor his legacy.
The initial proof coins released in early 1964 featured a distinctive design element: a pronounced tuft of hair above Kennedy’s ear, known as the “Accented Hair” variety.
Misunderstanding
A prevalent belief is that Jacqueline Kennedy, the First Lady, expressed dissatisfaction with the “Accented Hair” design, leading to its modification.
While it’s true that she provided feedback on the coin’s design, suggesting a more natural depiction of her husband’s hair, the decision to alter the design was multifaceted. Production challenges and aesthetic considerations also played significant roles in the redesign.
Clarification
The “Accented Hair” variety was produced in limited quantities before the design was modified to a smoother hair depiction. This makes the original proofs highly sought after by collectors.
It’s essential to understand that while Jacqueline Kennedy’s input was influential, the change was not solely based on her preferences but was a culmination of various factors.
2. The 1972-D “No FG” Reverse
Background
The reverse of the Kennedy Half Dollar, designed by Frank Gasparro, typically features his initials “FG” below the eagle’s right leg. However, certain 1972-D minted coins lack these initials, leading to the “No FG” variety.
Misunderstanding
Some enthusiasts speculated that the omission of the “FG” initials was intentional, perhaps as a design experiment or due to oversight. Others believed it to be a result of counterfeit operations.
Clarification
The absence of the “FG” initials on the 1972-D coins was unintentional. It resulted from over-polished dies used during the minting process, which inadvertently removed the initials.
This variety is rare, and coins exhibiting this feature are considered valuable among collectors.
3. The 1976 Bicentennial Reverse
Background
To commemorate the United States’ Bicentennial in 1976, the Kennedy Half Dollar featured a special reverse design depicting Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
This design, created by Seth G. Huntington, replaced the traditional presidential seal for this special edition.
Misunderstanding
A common misconception is that all 1976 Kennedy Half Dollars were minted in silver. This belief stems from the association of special editions with precious metals.
Clarification
While the U.S. Mint did produce 40% silver-clad versions of the Bicentennial Half Dollar for collectors, the majority of these coins intended for general circulation were composed of the standard copper-nickel clad. Therefore, not all Bicentennial halves contain silver, and their value varies accordingly.
Comparative Overview of the Misunderstood Designs
| Design Variant | Year | Distinctive Feature | Common Misunderstanding | Clarification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Accented Hair” | 1964 | Pronounced hair above ear | Change solely due to Jacqueline Kennedy’s feedback | Modification resulted from multiple factors, including production challenges. |
| “No FG” Reverse | 1972-D | Missing “FG” initials | Intentional design choice or counterfeit | Resulted from over-polished dies during minting. |
| Bicentennial Reverse | 1976 | Independence Hall depiction | All minted in silver | Only specific collector editions contained silver; most were copper-nickel clad. |
The Kennedy Half Dollar serves as a testament to America’s rich history and the nuances of coin design. Misunderstandings surrounding certain variants highlight the importance of thorough research and understanding in numismatics.
By delving deeper into these designs, collectors and enthusiasts can truly appreciate the artistry and stories encapsulated in each coin.
FAQs
How can I identify the 1964 “Accented Hair” Kennedy Half Dollar?
Look for a pronounced tuft of hair above Kennedy’s ear on the obverse side. Additionally, on proof versions, a missing serif on the “I” in “LIBERTY” can indicate the “Accented Hair” variety.
Are all 1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollars valuable?
While they hold historical significance, only the 40% silver-clad collector’s editions have a higher intrinsic value. The standard copper-nickel clad versions are more common and less valuable.
Why are some 1972-D Kennedy Half Dollars missing the “FG” initials?
The absence is due to over-polished dies used during production, which inadvertently removed Frank Gasparro’s initials from the reverse design.